Wilor Academy is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and accountability. This Whistleblowing Policy provides a framework for employees, learners, and other stakeholders to report concerns about malpractice, misconduct, or unethical behaviour within the organisation. We are committed to fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to report concerns without fear of retribution.
This policy applies to all employees, learners, contractors, and any other individuals associated with Wilor Academy. It covers concerns relating to:
- Financial malpractice or fraud
- Criminal activities
- Health and safety risks
- Environmental damage
- Breaches of legal or regulatory obligations
- Unethical or improper conduct
- Any other matter that may cause harm to the organisation or its stakeholders
The main purpose of the policy:
- To encourage the reporting of suspected wrongdoing as soon as possible.
- To provide clear guidelines on how to raise concerns.
- To protect whistleblowers from retaliation or victimisation.
- To ensure that reported concerns are investigated thoroughly and fairly.
Reporting Procedure
- Raising a Concern
- Concerns should be raised as soon as possible, preferably in writing.
- Employees should report their concerns to their immediate line manager or supervisor.
- If the concern involves the line manager or the individual is uncomfortable reporting to them, the concern should be raised with the HR Department or the Centre Manager.
- Learners and other stakeholders should direct their concerns to the Centre Manager or their Programme Leaders.
- Information required
- A clear description of the concern and any relevant facts.
- The names of individuals involved and any witnesses.
- Dates, times, and locations of incidents.
- Any supporting evidence or documentation.
Confidentiality
Wilor Academy is committed to protecting the confidentiality of whistleblowers. All reports will be handled in strict confidence, and the identity of the whistleblower will not be disclosed without their consent, unless required by law.
Protection Against Retaliation
Wilor Academy will not tolerate any form of retaliation or victimisation against individuals who raise concerns in good faith. Any employee found to be engaging in such behaviour will face disciplinary action, which may include dismissal.
Investigation Process
✓ Acknowledgement
• The whistleblower will receive an acknowledgement of their report within five working days.
✓ Initial Assessment
• An initial assessment will be conducted to determine the appropriate course of action. This may involve a preliminary investigation to ascertain the facts.
✓ Formal Investigation
• If the concern warrants a formal investigation, an investigator will be appointed. The investigation will be conducted impartially and thoroughly, ensuring that all relevant evidence is considered.
• The investigator may involve external parties if specialised expertise is required.
✓ Outcome
• The outcome of the investigation will be communicated to the whistleblower, where possible, within 28 days of the concern being raised.
• If the investigation takes longer, the whistleblower will be kept informed of the progress and expected timeline for completion.
False Allegations
While Wilor Academy encourages the reporting of genuine concerns, it also recognises that false or malicious allegations can be harmful. Any individual found to have made a deliberately false or malicious report will be subject to disciplinary action.
Review and Improvement
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure its effectiveness. Feedback from employees, learners, and other stakeholders will be considered to improve the policy and its implementation.
Published Date : November 2023
Reviewed By : Salma Ali
Date of Review : November 2023
Date of Next Review : July 2025
Policy Number : WAP029
Salma Ali
Principal